Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Wednesday met with Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on bilateral cooperation and regional issues of common concern at the sidelines of the 15th ASEAN Regional Forum.

During the meeting with Smith, Yang said China highly values its friendly ties with Australia. China is willing to strengthen exchanges and intensify bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, energy, science and technology, Yang said.

Smith said China is an important partner. Australia would like to actively expand beneficial cooperation on the basis of mutual trust and respect so as to advance bilateral ties to a higher level. Australia will cooperate with China to meet the challenges in the region, Smith added.